Original subtitles

[Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty III: To Chang'an]

[Episode 35]

Who discovered the body first?

I did.

Suchan,

the dead cannot be brought back to life.

Now, the priority

is to find the killer,

so as to let Mr. Geng

rest in peace.

There is no killer.

What?

Have you examined the body?

No, I haven't even touched it.

But according to what my father taught me a few days ago,

the state of his body was caused by strychnine poisoning.

And strychnine...

is exactly what my father

took to relieve the pain from sores.

I've observed the scene and found no signs of struggle.

So, I can conclude

that my father

died of an overdose of strychnine.

I've heard about

strychnine poisoning,

but never seen it happen before my eyes.

Strychnine is a medicinal material

that reduces swelling and relieves pain.

However, it's not commonly seen,

because patients can be easily poisoned by it,

if it's used without caution.

Once the toxins kick in,

the affected will be in extreme agony.

Their bodies will bend into a rigid arch, with their heads and feet drawing close,

resembling looms.

This is why it's also called "the loom poison."

Those poisoned by strychnine

will first experience fatigue

and neck stiffness.

Then,

spasms will occur in their shoulders and thighs,

followed by full-body convulsions.

In the end, their bodies will bend into bow-like arches.

This last phase will repeat multiple times.

It's fair to say this is the worst pain in the human world.

Based on that what you said,

Mr. Geng was exactly poisoned by strychnine.

Let me in!

Let me in!

Mentor!

Sheriff Su,

how did my mentor die?

Has his body been examined?

Not yet.

We suspect that he consumed too much strychnine,

which resulted in fatal poisoning.

That's impossible.

My mentor had a good knowledge of medicine.

He knew strychnine is highly toxic.

How could he have taken an overdose of it?

Could it be that he didn't

want to live anymore,

given the excruciating pain from sores?

Sometimes people just

lose the will to live

in an instant.

Nonsense!

My mentor endured many hardships all his life.

What hadn't he been through?

How could he have

possibly taken his own life

due to the unbearable pain from sores?

-What do you think you're doing? -Senior Yin!

Hands off!

Sheriff Su,

please allow me, Yin Yao,

to examine my mentor's body,

so as to find the real murderer.

I'll allow it.

Suchan,

assist him.

Yes.

[The final chapter: Why coroners must not kill]

[Volume 17 of The Autopsy Chronicles]

[Geng Residence]

Su Wuming.

I think it's time we issued a notice.

People should be advised not to

pick up life-borrowing pouches again,

if they see any in the streets,

especially at intersections.

This act will cause nothing but panic.

I've spent a long time studying the 6 characters

written on the note inside the life-borrowing pouch

found by that beggar.

The only thing I'm certain of

is that it must haven't been long

since the writer began learning penmanship.

Mentor!

The autopsy is complete.

Yin Yao now believes his mentor

committed suicide.

My condolences to both of you.

It's time you set up

a mourning hall for Mr. Geng.

Sir,

everyone,

Suchan,

while you're all here,

I'd like to make an announcement.

I owe Mentor a debt of profound gratitude.

Nothing disappointed him

more in his life than my choice to change my profession.

In Suchan's presence,

he asked me

to co-author

The Autopsy Chronicles

with him,

and return to being a coroner, bearing that identity.

I didn't agree to it at that time.

But now that I think of it,

he was basically using his life as leverage.

It was I who caused my mentor's death.

Today,

before my mentor's spirit in heaven,

I call upon all here to witness

that I, Yin Yao,

will work as a coroner again

and stay in this profession forever.

I will also sign up

for the upcoming Coroners' Contest.

I swear to win the championship,

so that the title of "the best coroner"

will perpetually belong to my master's school.

Great. That's good news.

Su Wuming,

despite Mr. Geng's sudden death,

Yin Yao's return to the coroner profession

is great news.

Shouldn't you be happy?

Didn't Mr. Geng tell you

that given Yin Yao's talent,

he would surely become the best coroner?

Mr. Yin,

I believe

what you just said

would bring peace

to Mr. Geng's soul.

But now, the urgent matter

is to quickly set up a mourning hall.

Are you Mr. Yin?

I'm so grateful to you

for tidying up my father's appearance,

thus making

his passing particularly dignified.

Thank you so much.

I was only doing my job.

How much is this box of makeup supplies

of mine worth?

Show me what's inside.

Are you selling them all?

Yes.

There are indeed many items.

Some are truly good stuff.

I'll offer...

2,000 coins.

I ask for 3,000 coins.

How about 2,300?

3,000 at least.

They were used

by the one and only mortician in Chang'an.

After today,

there won't be morticians here anymore.

These makeup tools are for the dead?

Then...

Who will know that if neither of us tell?

If this entire makeup kit

were for the living,

you would be charged 6,000 coins at least.

Will you take it for 3,000 coins or not?

Yes, sure.

You're back.

There are 3,000 coins.

Take them.

I sold my makeup kit.

Senior Yin,

I know that makeup kit

was all you owned.

Why are you giving me all your money?

[Funeral]

Mentor,

I, Yin Yao, offer to give Suchan a lifetime of care.

Now, I'm begging for your consent

to let me marry her!

Senior Yin,

I never thought

you loved me.

Why would you say that?

Because you moved out.

I moved out...

so that one day

I could come back for an eternal stay.

That doesn't sound right.

[Funeral]

This house...

is too old and shabby.

Also, it's eery and creepy here.

The future best coroner in the nation

will work in the county office.

He will be revered by all,

and his descendants can pursue scholarly honors.

Therefore,

we should move to

a brighter and more spacious mansion.

Are you so sure you will win the Coroners' Contest?

I wasn't that sure before.

But now,

as long as I offer The Autopsy Chronicles

that Mentor and I wrote together to the county office,

will anyone dare

deny me the title of "the best coroner"?

Senior Yin,

Father would prefer

for you to earn a place in the top three

through your own effort.

Suchan,

actually,

you are not

Mentor's daughter.

What?

In all his life time,

Mentor only took one wife.

By the time Zhong Shizai became Mentor's student,

[In loving memory of my father Geng Wushang]

she had passed away.

I am an orphan Mentor adopted.

As for you...

you were an abandoned baby he took in.

We came from similar places of pain.

I promise you

a lifetime of care

and a life better than most others'.

You won't have to work as a coroner anymore.

Just bear

and raise children for me at home.

Regrettably,

the last chapter of The Autopsy Chronicles hasn't been finished.

Nonetheless,

as co-author,

I've come up with proper content for it.

I'll write about

how a coroner should work with the constables

and make achievements

in a county office setting.

[Fair and Impartial]

Sir,

three murders happened in a row,

yet the killers haven't been caught.

According to protocol,

the case should be handed over to Yongzhou Prefecture Office.

No need to rush.

Has the mourning hall for Mr. Geng been set up yet?

Yes, it's all set.

Yin Yao said he had chosen a proper day—

Mr. Geng's burial is today.

Mr. Geng's burial is today?

Yingtao,

make an arrest.

[Geng Residence]

Begin the funeral procession!

Hold on!

I, Wannian County Sheriff, Su Wuming,

am here to examine Mr. Geng's body.

Those unrelated to the matter, step back!

Sir,

Senior Yin and I

already examined the body yesterday.

Since Mr. Geng was your next of kin,

the autopsy you conducted wasn't a proper procedure.

I've decided to re-examine his body.

The dead deserve respect.

My mentor's body is already in the coffin.

Are you going to open it?

Mr. Geng worked as a coroner all his life.

He must've opened quite a lot of coffins

for case investigations.

A coroner's family is making excuses

to stop a coffin from being opened.

That's beyond ridiculous.

All of you, leave.

I'd like to pay my respects to Mr. Geng.

[Wannian County Office]

What are the autopsy results, Sheriff Su?

Didn't

my mentor die of

strychnine poisoning?

Yes, he did.

Are there scratch marks on his hands,

arms, neck, or face?

No.

Any signs of struggle or resistance?

None.

That is to say,

my mentor

consumed the strychnine himself,

instead of being forced

to take it.

Correct.

Then what was the point of opening his coffin

to examine his body?

That was utter disrespect to my mentor.

I'll report you!

Report me?

I'm afraid you won't have a chance to do so.

I found this...

on Mr. Geng's body.

[Notice of Expulsion for Zhong Shizai]

You were filial to him.

[Witnesses: Suchan, Yin Yao]

Mr. Geng also valued you.

[Fair and Impartial]

But when he realized

you might be a murderer,

he hid the evidence

somewhere against his skin

and then ended his own life with strychnine.

He hoped his despair and death

would end your killing spree.

What are you talking about?

I don't understand.

There's a brush and ink.

Do you dare to write the characters

of one, three, and six?

What do you mean?

Why should I write anything?

Sounds about right.

You're on guard now.

Even if you do as I say,

your writing won't tell anything.

The brilliant Mr. Geng thought ahead about that.

Write the date down.

June twenty-third.

[June twenty-third]

[Three]

Expelling a disciple

requires signatures from fellow disciples.

That's an unprecedented rule.

Mr. Geng just made that up,

so he could see your handwriting.

How could that be possible?

My mentor was a mere coroner.

A coroner though he was,

he figured out

that Dong Yue's death

was connected to Zhong Shizai before I did.

Xijun,

compare the handwriting on the note within the life-borrowing pouch

with that on this document.

Yes.

[Fair and Impartial]

Yin Yao,

it really was you.

Why?

Did you truly care for my father,

or were you afraid that he'd die

before the completion of The Autopsy Chronicles?

Su Wuming.

What have I done to deserve your suspicion?

I'm the co-author of The Autopsy Chronicles.

I'll offer this book to the court.

I'll become

the best coroner and leave my name in history!

As I said,

you won't have a chance to do so.

Now, look at this.

[Yin Yao is not allowed to work as a coroner again]

[Yin Yao is not allowed to work as a coroner again]

That can't be true.

During the three years I was away,

Mentor was drowned in regrets.

He meant to compensate me

by inviting me

to put my name on The Autopsy Chronicles.

That day, despite the flattering words

he said about morticians,

I was well aware

that he actually wanted me

to return to the coroner profession

and to bring honor to our school.

Mr. Geng already decided

the title of the final chapter

of the last volume

of The Autopsy Chronicles.

[The final chapter: Why coroners must not kill]

It's called "why coroners must not kill."

I also found it hard to understand the title,

judging from it alone.

But after seeing this note,

I figured it out.

Mr. Geng actually dropped a hint.

[Yin Yao is not allowed to work as a coroner again]

[The final chapter: Why coroners must not kill]

You're not allowed

to work as a coroner again

exactly because

you killed.

In fact, you've already given yourself away.

When Dong Yue's disciple died,

behind his body,

a square area on the floor

was not tainted by blood.

That happened

because of what you call "the mortician's ritual," right?

No one else knows I'm here to tidy up

Dong Yue's appearance, right?

Right.

I know my mentor and your school were on bad terms.

So...

Thank you for coming here, Mr. Yin.

What is this for?

The mortician's ritual,

a ceremony that the deceased deserve.

How may I help?

Stand in front of me.

Do as I do.

Turn around to face the door.

Pray for your mentor.

Keep the posture.

Close your eyes.

It was midnight.

The night watchman must've passed by the coffin shop.

Out of fear of being discovered,

you fled in panic,

and didn't have time

to wipe the blood on the floor,

thus leaving evidence behind.

Comparison completed.

The handwriting

attributed to Yin Yao on this document

and that on the note within the life-borrowing pouch

are from the same person.

Mr. Geng was a wise man.

I'm sure

he wouldn't have poisoned himself

if he hadn't found solid evidence.

At the thought of that, I opened his coffin for an autopsy.

Just as I expected,

in his bosom, he did hide a note

that you wrote on

when you were off guard.

I should've been more careful.

I saw that document when I examined his body.

I meant to have it buried with him

under the ground,

so no one would ever know

that I was the one borrowing lifespan.

When I write again,

I'll change that stupid writing habit.

Why did you

do all that?

Mentor adopted me when I was little.

But I really hope I had a different adopter.

His face was full of wrinkles, with gloomy looks in his eyes.

He dealt with dead bodies all day long.

I feared him so much.

I wanted to learn to read and write,

but he made me learn how to examine dead bodies.

He even told me

that a coroner's knowledge was passed down orally,

so there was no need to become literate.

However, later on,

he taught Suchan to read and write.

I found him repulsive,

but I knew I'd starve

to death if I left him.

Then, gradually,

I took a liking to

deal with dead people.

I realized I have a gift for it.

Meanwhile, he was

exploiting my talent.

It would be

more accurate to say I was half a mentor to him,

than to say

he was my mentor,

because it was I who first came up with

the Open-Pit Bone Steaming Method.

Three years ago,

he wrote all that into The Autopsy Chronicles,

which deeply upset me.

Writing it into the book was equal

to claiming that method as his invention.

Not a word about me

would be recorded.

Besides,

when the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review

asked him to recommend a coroner,

he always opted for Zhong Shizai.

He even said Zhong Shizai

was adept in both literature and martial arts,

praising him as a rare all-around talent.

That just nurtured more hatred in me!

If he thought that way,

why didn't he teach me how to read and write

and shape me into a well-around talent?

In the past three years,

you not only learned to write,

but also studied martial arts,

judging from the force of your sword strike.

I don't know martial arts.

But I'm very strong.

Every night, steeped in hatred,

I practiced stabbing and slashing

with all my might.

I'm not a fool.

I changed professions

only to provoke guilt in him.

I knew him well.

All his life, he cared about nothing

but passing down his autopsy skills.

Zhong Shizai was eager for quick success.

He would get in trouble sooner or later.

I was waiting for that day.

When that happened,

in order to persuade me to return to the coroner profession,

my mentor would definitely make a gesture.

He would either

let me inherit The Autopsy Chronicles,

or give me

the recognition

I deserved—

the co-author of this book!

I waited three years.

This day nearly didn't arrive,

because his sores flared up

and he might die anytime.

Then I remembered

a case we worked on

when I was young.

A merchant borrowed lifespan for his father.

You know what?

Though the merchant was cut in half at the waist,

his father did

manage to live several more years.

So,

I decided to borrow lifespan too.

I needed my mentor to stay alive

till The Autopsy Chronicles was finished!

I must rise to fame with this book's help!

[Fair and Impartial]

How can an evil creature

like you work as a coroner?

It's important to have talent,

but one's nature matters most!

Yin Yao,

you will receive severer punishment

than your senior Zhong Shizai did.

You will pay for the deaths of those three innocent people

with your own life.

[In loving memory of my father Geng Wushang]

That night,

Father asked me a question.

Suchan,

if you attended the Coroners' Contest

on behalf of me and your fellows,

and the examiner asked you

why coroners must not kill,

what would be your answer?

Coroners must not kill...

Some may say

this is stating the obvious,

because no one

should take another's life.

[Speak and Seek Truth]

But that's the code of conduct for coroners.

Here's the first reason.

Coroners are accustomed to seeing corpses

and murder scenes.

They're usually numb when looking at

the horrific scenes where killings have happened.

Coroners also know a lot about the weapons

and methods used for murder.

Therefore, it has to be emphasized

that coroners must not kill,

or they could become bloodthirsty fiends.

Second,

if coroners kill and examine bodies,

the truth will be buried forever.

Third,

a coroner's duty

is to reveal the truth

and serve justice.

If coroners kill,

what will people

think of this profession?

When trust is eroded,

people will no longer

associate coroners with truth and justice.

So, it has to be stressed that coroners must not kill.

Only in this way

can this profession be preserved and honored.

Well said.

Excellent!

I'll put your remarks

in the final chapter

of The Autopsy Chronicles.

[In loving memory of my father Geng Wushang]

I think Mr. Geng left

the final chapter unfinished

because

he wanted you to be his co-author.

What?

It was you

who first stated

why coroners must not kill.

As Mr. Geng's daughter,

you're responsible to finish this book for him.

With this book's help,

you will earn great respect

in the coroner profession.

I believe

Mr. Geng intentionally

left this opportunity for you.

Complete the book.

Perhaps its influence will extend a thousand years into the future.

It may become an essential read for those who are to enter

the coroner profession.

[In loving memory of my father Geng Wushang]

The Emperor has ordered

the Coroners' Contest to be cancelled.

That said, since Geng Wushang

and his daughter, Suchan,

made great contributions by writing The Autopsy Chronicles,

Suchan is specially permitted to work in the county office

as a designated coroner.

She's removed from the status of social inferiority,

and her descendants can choose

to be coroners or not

of their own will.

They can also take imperial examinations.

This is wonderful news.

I've also heard of something.

Why are you being so mysterious?

Just say it.

The Emperor planned to hold

the Coroners' Contest

because he read the memorial you submitted.

The memorial I submitted?

Yes.

Didn't you hand in a memorial

when you came back from your journey to the west?

Are you indicating

this entire series of murders

was actually caused by me?

I didn't say that.

How dare you, Su Wuming!

That memorial was as much mine as yours.

I stated clearly in it that you and I

wrote that memorial together.

What's this temper tantrum about?

I was trying to say

that the Emperor often reviews the memorials submitted by you.

What does that mean?

It means in His Majesty's heart,

you, Lu Lingfeng, are very important.

Is that so?

His Majesty asked to see me in the palace tomorrow.

I don't know what the meeting is for yet.

Something good, I guess.

It definitely is for something good.

I hope so.

[Imperial Polo Ball]

The Yenisei Kirghiz Team scored!

Five to three!

Bravo!

-Bravo! -Bravo!

The Yenisei Kirghiz Team scored!

Five to three!

Our Tang Team isn't even playing.

Why is she so excited?

Look how delighted she is.

That was a great hit.

Natie has scored

three points in a row.

The Yenisei Kirghiz Team scored again!

Six to three!

[Yenisei Kirghiz Team]

Nice play!

[Yenisei Kirghiz Team] [Tulo Team]

The match is over!

Final score: six to three!

The Yenisei Kirghiz Team won!

We won!

The world's greatest polo player!

A warrior of Yenisei Kirghiz!

Truly impressive.

[Yenisei Kirghiz Team] [Tulo Team]

[Peace and prosperity]

I, Minister of Ceremonials, Pei Mian from Hedong,

[Minister of Ceremonials, Pei Mian]

hereby announce

that 10 days later,

the polo final will be held between the Tang Team

[Peace and prosperity]

and the Yenisei Kirghiz Team,

which will decide

the champion of this international polo

tournament.

Natie! Natie!

The world's greatest polo player!

Natie! Natie!

The world's greatest polo player!

Natie! Natie!

The world's greatest polo player!

What we hated to see

has happened anyway.

Our Tang Team is going to fight

a formidable rival in the final.

Natie

is the younger brother of Nasha, Khan of Yenisei Kirghiz.

It's said that he has loved polo since childhood.

Today's match

was a good one.

But in the face of our Tang Team,

they'll surely be losers.

That's for sure.

You officials of the Bureau of Guest Reception

must see to the Yenisei Kirghiz's

daily accommodation and meals.

Otherwise, once they lose in the game,

they'll blame us

for not feeding them properly.

This concerns

the etiquette of our Tang Empire.

As you command.

Consider it done, Chief Minister.

This polo tournament

is hosted by the Court of State Ceremonials,

with assistance from Yongzhou Prefecture.

Given that, Chief Administrator Xiong,

make sure you do your utmost.

Yes, yes.

Grand General, you're responsible

to maintain security on the day of the final.

Rest assured, Minister Pei.

"The world's greatest polo player"...

This title

was taken by Natie,

a Yenisei Kirghiz person?

That title was just given by the Yenisei Kirghiz themselves.

After they play the final against our Tang Team,

their arrogance today

will surely become

a laughingstock in Chang'an.

That's right, Pei.

On the day of the final,

I will personally lead the Tang Team

against the Yenisei Kirghiz Team.

I'll have them know

the Tang Empire is unrivaled

in the world's polo circles.

Lu Lingfeng!

Yes, Your Majesty.

Do you know

why I summoned you to the palace today?

Do you remember the previous

international polo tournament from four years ago?

It was exactly the great teamwork between you and I

that turned the tables

for the Tang Team in the final.

We defeated the Tulo Team at last.

You will join me

in the polo game 10 days later

to defeat the Yenisei Kirghiz Team.

Wait.

Your Majesty cannot play this final.

Are you concerned about my safety, Pei?

Don't worry.

With Lu Lingfeng's

close protection for me,

what is there to worry about?

That's not it.

Safety is not the reason

that I'm advising

Your Majesty not to play the final.

Four years ago, Your Majesty was Prince of Linzi.

It was certainly fine to gallop across the polo field.

But now,

Your Majesty is the Tang Emperor.

The Yenisei Kirghiz Khan

didn't come to

Chang'an for the games at all.

Therefore, it doesn't comply with

the etiquette or the protocol

for Your Highness to play the final.

Pei,

can't we find a reason

to make an exception?

For example... it allows me to share joy with the populace?

No.

That's a ridiculous excuse.

Please refrain from doing so, Your Majesty.

Fine.

Forget what I said.

I am the Emperor of the Tang Empire.

On the day of the final, I'll simply take the field.

Let's see what Pei Mian can do to me.

I remember Your Majesty once said,

"Though I sit on the imperial throne,

I still uphold the diplomatic protocols made by the Court of State Ceremonials

and observe the etiquette respected by all vassals."

I wonder what that means.

How bold of you, Yin.

You cited my own words to lecture me?

I dare not.

Please forgive me, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty,

a secret message.

Where is it from?

The Yenisei Kirghiz.

Your Majesty,

Grand General of the Right Imperial Guard, Lu Tong,

requests an urgent audience.

Let him in.

Yes.

Your Majesty,

I received a piece of urgent intelligence.

Say it.

Soon,

some Yenisei Kirghiz spies will sneak into Chang'an

and make contact with someone code-named "Wolf,"

who has infiltrated the city.

With the final of the polo tournament approaching,

I'm worried that they may be plotting

against Your Majesty.

Is the intelligence reliable?

It should be.

What's the source?

My subordinate Li Zhuang

bought it at a high price

from an Intel Stall in the Ghost Market.

Li Zhuang?

If I remember correctly,

you've trained him for years

and designated him to do intelligence work, right?

Yes.

He's trustworthy.

That said... there are many swindlers

in the Ghost Market.

At the moment,

I think it's better to assume the threat exists

than to dismiss it.

The key is,

we'll be up against the Yenisei Kirghiz

in the polo tournament final.

The Yenisei Kirghiz...

is the Tang Empire's strong rival.

They've always had rapacious ambitions.

Grand General, come here.

This is...

It's from the Yenisei Kirghiz.

I doubt the validity of it.

So, keep it between us only.

Got it.

Where is it from?

A carrier pigeon sent by the Yenisei Kirghiz in secret.

[If Your Highness promises us the land of Tingzhou,

when we attack the Tang borders...]

You've read it?

Yes.

How dare you bring it to me then!

[Crucial Nexus]

The Yenisei Kirghiz must be out of their minds.

Who are they to demand the land of Tingzhou?

Cut off all contact with them immediately.

If I ever ascend to the throne,

the first thing I'll do

is to send troops to the Yenisei Kirghiz,

seize their Khan, and have him brought to Chang'an!

Your Highness, please calm down.

If we cut off

contact with them right away,

they won't attack the borders,

and we can't transfer Lu Tong out of Chang'an

in the name of letting him

lead troops to fight the enemy.

I'd rather postpone this matter

than accept any terms

of theirs.

Your Highness, please reconsider.

There's nothing to consider!

But word from the palace says

the Imperial Guard

has learned that spies for the Yenisei Kirghiz

will soon enter Chang'an.

If they are caught,

then the secret of us having contact

with the Yenisei Kirghiz may be disclosed.

What's so scary about that?

Even if this secret is disclosed,

what can the man sitting on the throne now

do to me?

I am the State-guarding Grand Princess of the Tang Empire.

I will not trade the land of Tang Empire

for anything!

Chancellor Cui.

Go to Yongzhou Prefecture

and bring Lu Lingfeng to me.